A/N: Hello readers, this is not a new story but an old one (previously titled 'Come Hell or High Water') that I'm "rebranding" so I can give it some closure before I move on to other things. It's more or less the same story, but with some re-edits to fix typos and keep a more consistent theme (and trying to stick more with canon as my bad memory has me forgetting some established things in the show...) Oh, and there's actually an ending now! Takes place between season 6 and 7 but is AU for season 7, so some of the characters or characterizations may be different than what was in the last season.

Disclaimer: I do not own The Mentalist or profit off of it in any way.

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Binoculars

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FBI Special Agent Dennis Abbott leisurely finished filling out the release forms and checked his watch, deciding it was time to fetch Patrick Jane from his TSA holding cell. Truth be told, he would be in more of a hurry if it were not for Agent Teresa Lisbon, who had requested a private interview with the former FBI fugitive that Abbott had come to grow quite fond of. He was not surprised at this request, just as he had not been surprised when she had called him last night, telling him that Jane had been arrested. Theatrics were so routine to Jane that the universe itself couldn't resist creating a dramatic situation for him to finally declare his love.

Drama was not in short supply in Lisbon's life either, as long as Jane was around. After her impulsive decision to catch the next flight to D.C., Lisbon had informed Abbott that she would be staying at Austin, permanently. Even over the phone, he could tell that she had been crying, but he was willing to bet that some of those tears were from happiness. He had hung up, momentarily pleased, hoping the feeling would get him through the series of surely headache-inducing phone calls awaiting him in order to get the charges against Jane dropped.

He met Lisbon at the airport, who by the looks of it had spent the whole night there.

"Morning Agent Lisbon," he greeted, "I'm glad you decided to stay."

She was surprised by his warm tone, expecting instead to be reprimanded for all the paperwork she was going to cost him. He hadn't sounded angry last night either when she told him about Jane.

"I had to," she replied with a wry smile, "Everyone on board would have been very disappointed otherwise."

Abbott chuckled. "Now let's go get our consultant."

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Presently in the TSA conference room, Abbott couldn't help a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, relieved and delighted that Jane had finally confessed to Lisbon what Abbott had long suspected. Although Lisbon didn't tell him exactly what had occurred in the aircraft, he had read the TSA transcript of the situation. Jane hadn't exactly been subtle in proclaiming his love for the entire plane to hear.

Jane and Lisbon were among the FBI's best assets, the last additions required to assemble Abbott's perfect team. Abbott would have been sorry to see it broken up. He knew Jane's services wouldn't be the same without Lisbon by his side, and vice versa. His heart wouldn't be into closing cases. Furthermore, Lisbon kept Jane grounded. Well, as much as anyone can ground Jane. Without her, one of Jane's riskier, and probably illegal, ventures would surely endanger himself and the whole team.

Lisbon, on the other hand, had been a by-the-book cop. Her records proved that, though Abbott wondered how many off-the-record actions orchestrated by Jane had helped close cases. Certainly, Jane was rubbing off on her, something she had demonstrated by blatantly lying to Abbott's face when he had point-blank asked her to tell the truth about Ridley's accusations in the human trafficking and organ harvesting case. Though he had to admit, the bold move had nabbed them a pretty big fish in the end, and justice had been served, so why should he complain? Lisbon had been an extraordinary police officer, and showed signs of becoming an extraordinary FBI agent as well. She was fiercely loyal to Jane, enabling her to participate in cons that other agents would be wary to even consider. And Jane for allhis reckless and nonchalant attitude was very protective of Lisbon; he wouldn't do anything that put her in harm's way. It was clear to Abbott that they were in love with each other.

However, it only really became obvious when Lisbon began getting serious with Marcus Pike from the Art Division. He had observed a distinct shift in Jane's demeanor when he realized he was losing Lisbon. There was a jealousy and sadness that spoke volumes. He was perplexed how a smart man like Kimball Cho, who had worked closely with Jane and Lisbon for several years, had not picked up on it. He internally rolled his eyes at his colleague's cluelessness. However Abbott would describe Jane and Lisbon's relationship, "like brother and sister" didn't come to mind. The past few weeks he had been trying to nudge Jane along, hoping that a romantic declaration would convince Lisbon to stay in Austin and keep their team intact. That, and the fact that Abbott was a bit of a romantic himself, a side to him he kept hidden under a stern exterior.

The TSA officer shuffled his feet. The movement broke Abbott's train of thought, and he stood and handed the papers over. "Well, lead the way," Abbott said with a sigh, as if this were just the result of another one of Jane's antics and he was cleaning up the mess afterwards.

When they reached the detainment room the guard keeping an eye on Jane came out to meet them.

"Morning," Abbott said politely, "Is my agent done with interrogation?"

The guard gave a derisive snort, "Yeah right. Their lips were a little too preoccupied for any questioning, and now they're just staring at each other like a bunch of loons."

Abbott once again fought to keep his grin under control. "Ah, I see," he said, "Well, they will be duly reprimanded. But now can you please release Mr. Jane?"

The guard rolled his eyes and opened the cell door. The two occupants didn't even look up from gazing into each other's eyes until Abbott cleared his throat. "You two ready to get out of here yet?" he asked amusedly.

"Of course," Lisbon said, cheeks coloring pink from being caught in a moment of unprofessionalism. "Jane?" she asked turning to look at him.

The suave mentalist gave one of his trademark million dollar smiles, this one glowing with the effect of a man deeply in love. "I'll be happy to go wherever you are Teresa," he murmured.

"Jane!" Lisbon hissed, the flush on her face deepening to a rosy hue.

Jane laughed, "It's alright my dear, Dennis doesn't mind." He was certain that Abbott had already figured out the exact nature of his feelings about Lisbon, and judging by how quickly he handed over his car keys when he told him he was going after her, he approved.

Abbott cleared his throat and put on a chastising look for the benefit of the two TSA officials in the room. "That remains to be seen Jane," he admonished, "What you did was a serious misconduct and a grave breach of security which cannot be ignored. In fact, starting right now, you are placed under two weeks of suspension. Unpaid."

Jane sighed and nodded resignedly. Not that he was upset over the suspension, but he would miss seeing Lisbon while she was at work.

Finally exiting the TSA office, they left the airport and made their way to the parking lot. Jane's sprained ankle caused him to lean on Lisbon for support. When he got to his feet with a wince, she had immediately gone to his side out of concern. He took the opportunity to slip his arm around her waist, squeezing gently, relishing the feel of her underneath his hand. She gave him a "behave yourself" look, but didn't protest.

Right before they reached the car, Abbott casually addressed Lisbon. "By the way Agent Lisbon, it's going to take a little while to process all the paperwork to cancel your transfer and officially reinstate you as part of the team. I'm sure you also need to get your affairs in order after cancelling your move. Why don't you take a week or two off in the meantime? Have a little time to enjoy Miami as well. I'm sure Jane wouldn't mind paying for a few more nights at a hotel after all the trouble he's caused you."

Lisbon's mouth hung slightly agape as a look of astonishment overtook her face.

Jane grinned. Yep. Abbott definitely approved.

He leaned forward and whispered in her ear, his warm breath nuzzling a sensitive spot on her earlobe, "I'm still checked in at Blue Bird, what do you say?"

Lisbon blushed for the umpteenth time, from the sensation and his suggestion. Jane found it adorable when Lisbon was shy. She on the other hand found it embarrassing to be like this in front of her boss.

"Yes Sir, I think that would be a good idea," she said in the most composed tone she could muster.

Jane was elated at her answer. The thought of spending a whole week alone with Lisbon was intoxicating. They hadn't had a chance to be truly alone yet, and there was still so much he wanted to tell her, and so much more of her he wanted to feel. Perhaps she would even model that delectable deep pink dress for him again. His angry little princess wasn't too fond of dresses, but she seemed to like his selections for her. It was going to be a perfect week.

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Kim Fischer left the DA's office triumphant that she had convinced the prosecutor to raise the murder two charges to murder in the first degree. Her thoughts wandered to Jane, wondering if he was still being held by the TSA.

Fischer had been surprised when she received a call from Cho last night, informing her of the killer and her accomplice's arrests and Lisbon's sudden departure. Cho had recounted all the events that had occurred at the hotel, including the fact that it was Jane that had sent the note to the FBI, thus setting up the whole operation. This had made Lisbon so angry that she left that very night, and Jane had decided to go after her at the last minute.

Fischer thought this was rather odd. She was aware that Jane and Lisbon were very close, but she did not know he was that dependent on her.

She also found it rather odd and amusing how Cho managed to describe such exciting events in his typical monotone, as if it were no more extraordinary than the sun rising in the east and setting in the west. She found that she liked this strange quirk of his.

At first, she had thought Jane and Lisbon had been sleeping together, although this presumption was quickly dissipated by a defensive Lisbon. Jane was certainly a very attractive individual, and Fischer had considered a sexual relationship with him herself. Despite her initial reservations about the mischievous and unpredictable consultant, she found herself drawn to his charisma. She envied Lisbon for her effortless influence over Jane, and while Jane was a hard man to seduce he was still a man. No, it was a different kind of hold Lisbon had over Jane.

But when Cho continued his narrative to say that Jane had been arrested and Lisbon wasn't going to D.C., she began to wonder if she had been right in thinking they had been involved. After all, what else would drive a man to do such a desperate thing and a woman to give up being with her boyfriend for that man?

She reached for her cell phone to dial Abbott.

"Yes Fischer, how did things go at the DA's office?" Abbott inquired.

"Excellent. We got the murder one charges," she replied.

"Good to hear. I've got Jane and Lisbon here and we're heading back to the Blue Bird Inn. Why don't you join us for lunch around noon? We'll leave for our flight from there." Abbot said.

Of course they would be together. After that stunt Jane pulled, Fischer would expect Lisbon to go to him as soon as possible. A proud man like Jane breaking down for her? No woman could resist that.

"Sounds good, I'll be there," she said and hung up.

She supposed this meant that they were together now. She felt a slight twinge of disappointment, but brushed it aside. Her interest in Jane had been rather shallow. True, she liked him, more than she cared to admit. She had felt unexpectedly touched by Jane's assertion that the genuine Fischer was more like the sweet woman from the island. But in reality, the hard-nosed federal agent in her sought to control him. The fact that he was good looking and charming was an added bonus. However, as time went on she could see the value in his methods, having been regarded a bit of a loose cannon herself when she first joined the FBI. Or perhaps she simply started giving in to the magic of Patrick Jane. One could even say she had a bit of a crush on him. At times with him she felt echoes of Island Kim stirring within her. Maybe she should let that Kim out more often...

As for Lisbon, she was glad that she was staying on the team. She liked working with another strong female agent, and she personally liked Lisbon.

It was going to be very interesting to see this relationship play out.

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Cho was finishing packing and preparing for checkout when he received a text from Abbott that Jane was free and the team was gathering for lunch at noon.

The usually emotionless man allowed himself a microscopic smile, that would have been missed by most people not trained in picking up minute body language. He had given a similar smile when he learned that Lisbon had cancelled her move. Though as to why, he was still a little lost on that. Perhaps Pike simply hadn't meant as much to her as she thought, or at least, not as much as Jane did.

It was not as if he hadn't noticed Jane at the office with that woebegone expression, and Lisbon looking equally as miserable while insisting that she was happy. He was in law enforcement after all, and it was his job to pick up on details. He had simply assumed that it was difficult for them to deal with their impending parting when they had been together for so long. He himself still missed Rigsby at times, though he would rather bite his own tongue off than admit it.

Even through their two year separation, Jane's letters had been a thread keeping him connected to Lisbon. While there was certainly nothing stopping them from keeping in touch while Lisbon was in D.C., it would be different with Pike in the mix. Significant others and spouses usually trumped partners in the grand scheme of things, and sooner or later Lisbon's attachment to Pike would distance her from Jane. Lisbon would move on, but Jane... Jane wasn't known to be one to let go of the past easily. Luckily for him, Lisbon had decided "Prince Charming" wasn't worth it.

Cho was a little glad about this, as he thought it was weird how fast she moved with Pike. Cho didn't have anything against Pike. He was probably a nice guy, if a little boring. But as a long-time colleague, and more importantly, a friend of Lisbon's, Cho found her choices rather puzzling. The Lisbon he knew from the CBI would never let herself get so carried away like that. The woman he called "Boss" would have been horrified to learn that her future self had considered moving across the country to be with a man she knew for a mere month, and that was before she even had a job offer lined up. For Lisbon to give up her career for a boyfriend was... uncharacteristic to say the least.

That being said, a shot at a real relationship with a decent life partner was long overdue for Lisbon. With Jane around, it had just not been possible. He was as unpredictable as a wild animal. Lisbon trusted him, even when he could deliver a strike straight to her heart, which he did, several times. He cut her and he ran away. And when he crawled back to her, she let him in again. A weaker person than Lisbon would have given up on Jane years ago. Cho had always admired Lisbon for her fortitude, and until last night he had never seen her so disturbed.

Lisbon need stability, and he just didn't see how Jane could provide that for her.

Even so, Lisbon chose to keep Jane in her life, and Cho knew she was not a woman that made decisions lightly, at least before Pike. Or maybe it was more a compulsion than choice. Jane was like family to Lisbon, she would overlook any of his failings.

Speaking of familial relationships, perhaps "brother and sister" had been the wrong choice of words. Jane and Lisbon were like... an old, married couple. That was more like it. A married couple without the physical intimacy. They were just so used to being around each other and caring for each other. They knew each other's vices very well, and could forgive them.

They always had each other's backs. Lisbon had a true appreciation for Jane, not just for his looks and his abilities, but as a person. Jane in turn, for all his lies, manipulations, and flaunting of the rules, had a real respect for Lisbon.

Cho had seen many women fawn over Jane, which the con man used to his advantage, but Lisbon had always been different. Yes, he lied to and tricked her as much as anyone else, but she was the only one that made him feel guilty about it.

They loved each other, Cho just didn't think that meant they were in love with each other.

He shook his head, all of this speculating made his head hurt. This why he didn't like to think about these things too much. He held Lisbon in too high of a regard to try prying into her personal life like Fischer.

Cho knew that Lisbon was not a woman who liked to mix her personal and professional life, and until he heard from her own mouth that she was in love with Jane, he was not going to jump the shark like Abbott. But if it was true, then he sincerely hoped Jane would have the good sense not to mess it up.

They would be an odd couple no doubt, but Cho was hardly going to judge them after what happened between him and Summer.

All he knew was that Teresa Lisbon was a woman who deserved happiness, and he hoped Patrick Jane could give it to her.

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A/N: I just wanted to give a few notes on this chapter. I tried to portray three different perspectives on the Jane/Lisbon relationship through the eyes of their teammates. As to why the chapter is called "Binoculars", it's because I imagined Abbott, Cho, and Kim as researchers in the field making observations about Jane and Lisbon in the wild, haha.

Abbott's perspective is of them being lovers, or purely romantic love. While this view in itself is not wrong, it fails to take in the significance of their relationship prior to them falling in love. Jane and Lisbon had always been protective and loyal to each other, long before they were in love (or knew they were in love).

Fischer's perspective is a sexual one, more specifically, sex used as a power play. She thinks of Jane as dependent on Lisbon or submissive to her (and no, not in that way), while outwardly acting as if he calls the shots. This view shows a failing to understand the fundamental aspect of Lisbon and Jane's relationship. They don't try to control each other, they are equals. And when Jane and Lisbon have sex, it won't be just sex, they'll make love.

Cho's perspective reflects the deep caring and respect Jane and Lisbon have for each other. They are more than friends, they are truly partners. Of course, this ignores the fact that they are in love with each other. And true love is like a partnership of souls, or "soul mates" if you prefer (yeah, I know that is a really sappy sentiment).

The real nature of Jane and Lisbon's relationship is mixture of all three, love, sex, and partnership (I count eye sex and flirting as indications of sexual desire when it comes to Jisbon). It has always been this way, even before the events of Blue Bird. In this story I hope to explore these three aspects of their relationship further.